Customizable Yo-Yo System

ABSTRACT

The customizable yo-yo system of the present invention makes available a plurality of yo-yos, e.g. two yo-yos or three or more yo-yos, which can easily be disassembled and reassembled to make a set of custom yo-yos. Each of the custom yo-yo has a unique set of performance characteristics selected by the user&#39;s preference and skill level. In addition, each of the yo-yos parts are color coded to indicate its associated skill level.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is related to, claims the earliest availableeffective filing date(s) from (e.g., claims earliest available prioritydates for other than provisional patent applications; claims benefitsunder 35 USC §119(e) for provisional patent applications), andincorporates by reference in its entirety all subject matter of thefollowing listed application(s) (the “Related Applications”) to theextent such subject matter is not inconsistent herewith; the presentapplication also claims the earliest available effective filing date(s)from, and also incorporates by reference in its entirety all subjectmatter of any and all parent, grandparent, great-grandparent, etc.applications of the Related Application(s) to the extent such subjectmatter is not inconsistent herewith.

U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/463114, entitled“Customizable Yo-Yo System”, naming Joyce A. Amaral, John V.Marcantonio, and Todd M. Rywolt as inventors, filed 11 Feb. 2011

BACKGROUND

1. Field of Use

These teachings relate generally to a Yo-Yo system and in particular toa customizable. Yo-Yo system

2. Description of Prior Art (Background)

Among the significant features of a yo-yo is the manner in which thedynamic manner in which the yo-yo engages the string to initiate therewinding and retrieval of the yo-yo. It is desirable for the yo-yo tocatch the string in a consistently responsive manner in order to enhancethe player's control over the yo-yo. In some cases, it may be preferredfor the yo-yo to have a “hair trigger” response in which very slightmanipulation of the string is required to cause the string to becomecaught in the yo-yo to effect the retrieval. Others may prefer a lesssensitive trigger reaction in which a more distinct manipulation isnecessary in order to initiate the retrieval. Regardless of the degreeof responsiveness, it is important that the response is consistent sothat the player can best control the yo-yo.

Other significant features of a yo-yo include the peripheral entry tothe string slot between the yo-yo halves and the weight of the yo-yohalves. These features contribute to the feel and responsiveness of theplayer's retrieval command (slackening the string to relieve it of alltension) and are, in part, a matter of personal preference and skill andmay depend on the types of tricks to be performed.

Over the years, many different shapes have been employed for the yo-yo'sside portions. Traditional yo-yos will usually feature substantiallyplanar side portions that have a bulge in the area of the rim to providean improved weight distribution that increases spin time and stability.Butterfly yo-yos feature side portions that are stretched outwardly,away from the center of the yo-yo, thereby increasing the width of theyo-yo and giving the yo-yo a butterfly shape when viewed incross-section.

It is also known to use different materials for, or on, the rim portionof each of a yo-yo's side portions. For example, while most yo-yos haverim portions made of a hard plastic material, it is known to employrubber either as the rim material, or in the form of an o-ring that isplaced on the periphery of each of a yo-yo's side portions.

The different shapes and materials employed in a yo-yo's side portionsnot only make the yo-yo distinctive, they also affect the yo-yo'sperformance. For example, a user performing looping tricks with a yo-yowill usually prefer a traditionally shaped yo-yo that has substantiallyplanar side portions. Such a shape is best at looping since the weightdistribution is close to the tether's (string's) attachment point on theyo-yo, thereby enabling the yo-yo to flip over relatively easily duringeach loop. For yo-yo tricks in which the user attempts to catch thespinning yo-yo on a medial portion of the tether, a butterfly shapedyo-yo is preferred. The more widely spaced-apart side portions improvethe yo-yo's stability whereby the yo-yo is less prone to tilt off thetether. Furthermore, the wider stance of a butterfly-shaped yo-yofacilitates a user being able to land the yo-yo on a medial portion ofthe tether.

To take advantage of the different yo-yo performance characteristicsprovided through the use of side portions of different shapes and/ormaterials and/or that have different tether engagement adaptations, manyexperienced yo-yo players will own a large variety of different yo-yos.This enables the player to pick a yo-yo from his or her collection thatwill work best for the particular trick(s) that the player wishes toperform. However, the costs involved in buying and maintaining a largenumber of yo-yos can be considerable. In addition, transporting a largenumber of yo-yos can be bothersome and is usually accomplished using abulky and expensive transport case specially adapted for carryingyo-yos.

Prior art solutions for yo-yo customization, such as U.S. Pat. No.7,125,310 to Van Dan Elzen (Van Dan Elzen) provide minor customizationwith removable disks forming a part of the yo-yo rim; or U.S. Pat. No.6,579,142 to Rehkemper et al. (Rehkemper), disclosing a modular yo-yowhich can be disassembled by the user. However, these prior artsolutions, on the one hand, do not provide enough customization, and onthe other hand too much customization. Rehkemper's yo-yo, for example,discloses a myriad of small parts for custom building a yo-yo. Inaddition to none of the small parts being easily identified for itsyo-yo performance characteristics it would take a sophisticated user aconsiderable amount of time and patience to assemble. Similarly, Van DanElzen's yo-yo allows for replacement of a disk forming a part of the rimbut is silent as to other customizable features of a yo-yo and how thosecustomizable features are readily identified.

It is desirable, therefore, to provide a customizable yo-yo system wherethe features of a yo-yo are readily identifiable and customizable by theuser to provide yo-yos to meet the user's yo-yo performance preference.It is also desirable to provide a set of yo-yos having customizable andinterchangeable components to allow for performance customizationranging from basic yo-yo performance to very advanced yo-yo performance.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The foregoing and other problems are overcome, and other advantages arerealized, in accordance with the presently preferred embodiments ofthese teachings.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention acustomizable yo-yo system includes a plurality of yo-yos where each ofthe plurality of yo-yos includes a plurality of matching weightedshells, a plurality of matching pads, a plurality of matching spacers, abearing, and an axle with a blind threaded hole for engaging a hex screwwhen the yo-yo is in an assembled condition. Each of the plurality ofmatching weighted shells, the plurality of matching pads, and theplurality of matching spacers are weighted and sized for different skilllevels and each of the corresponding pluralities are interchangeable.

The invention is also directed towards a yo-yo system havinginterchangeable components wherein each of the interchangeablecomponents is associated with a yo-yo performance characteristic. Theyo-yo system includes: a basic skill yo-yo having matching dins weightedfor a basic or beginner performance; matching spacers selected for basicor beginner performance; a bearing and an axle and screw for threadablysecuring the basic skill yo-yo in an assembled condition. The yo-yosystem also includes an intermediate skill yo-yo having matching rimsweighted for a intermediate performance; matching spacers selected forintermediate performance; another bearing and an another axle and screwfor threadably securing the intermediate skill yo-yo in an assembledcondition. Lastly, the yo-yo system includes an advanced skill yo-yohaving matching, rims weighted for an advanced performance; matchingspacers selected for advanced performance; another bearing and ananother axle and screw for threadably securing the advanced skill yo-yoin an assembled condition. Each of the aforementioned yo-yo componentsare interchangeable. For example the matching rims weighted for a basicor beginner performance are interchangeable with the matching rimsweighted for intermediate performance. In addition, each of theaforementioned yo-yo components are color coded, or otherwise marked, toindicate its respective skill level.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention acustomizable yo-yo system is provided. The customizable yo-yo systemincludes a plurality of interchangeable weighted rims, wherein each ofthe weights of plurality of weighted rims comprises substantially therange of 57 gram weights to 69 gram weights. The customizable yo-yo alsoincludes a plurality of interchangeable spacers, wherein each of thewidths of the plurality of interchangeable spacers comprisessubstantially the range of 3 mm width to 4 mm widths. The yo-yo systemalso includes a plurality of pads, wherein each of the pads comprises aresponsive characteristic ranging from basic to very advanced. Inaddition, each of the aforementioned yo-yo components are color coded,or otherwise marked, to indicate its respective skill level.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The subject matter which is regarded as the invention is particularlypointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion ofthe specification. The foregoing and other objects, features, andadvantages of the invention are apparent from the following detaileddescription taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings inwhich:

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of the customizable features of a basic yo-yoin accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the customizable features of an advancedyo-yo in accordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the customizable features of a veryadvanced yo-yo in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1 there is shown an exploded view of the customizablefeatures of a basic yo-yo in accordance with the present invention. Thebasic yo-yo 10 includes basic axle 11, a basic first half shell 12enclosing a basic first weight 12 a, a basic second half shell 13enclosing a basic second weight I 3 a, a basic first pad 17, a basicfirst spacer 14, a bearing 15, a basic second spacer 16, a basic secondpad 17 a, and a basic hex screw 19. It will be appreciated that each ofthe parts shown in FIG. 1 are color coded, or otherwise marked, torepresent a basic skill level associated with each of the parts. Forexample, the basic axle 11, the basic first half 12 enclosing the basicfirst weight 12 a, the basic second half 13 enclosing the basic secondweight 13 a, the basic first pad 17, the basic first spacer 14, thebasic second spacer 16, the basic second pad 17 a, and the basic hexscrew 19 may be color coded green to represent a yo-yo suitable forbasic tricks.

Still referring to FIG. 1, the basic axle 11 may be any suitable shaftwith one end comprising or including a square or hex head 11 a forfitting in a recessed portion of either the basic first half 12 or thebasic second half 13. The other end of the basic axle 11 includes ablind threaded hole for engaging the basic hex screw 19 to threadablysecure the yo-yo in its assembled condition. It will be appreciated thateither hex head 11 a or hex screw 19 may be slotted to permit tighteningwith a screwdriver or coin.

Still referring to FIG. 1, the basic first half shell 12 and the basicsecond half shell 13 may be any suitable shell material for enclosingthe basic first weight 12 a and the basic second weight 13 a,respectively. Also, for example the basic first half shell 12 and thebasic second half shell 13 may be a substantially transparentpolycarbonate shell allowing the user to view the color coded basicfirst weight 12 a or the color coded basic second weight 13 a,respectively. It will be appreciated that the basic first half shell 12and the basic second half shell 13 may be any suitable material andlikewise color coded to indicate the weight of the shell enclosing thebasic first weight 12 a or the basic second weight 13 a, respectively.

It will also be appreciated that the basic first shell 12 and the basicfirst weight 12 a can be an integrated or single piece unit. For examplethe basic first shell 12 and the basic first weight 12 a can be anysuitable material such as aluminum. It will also be understood thatbasic first shell 12 and the basic first weight 12 a are substantiallybalanced around a center axis of the assembled basic first shell 12 andthe basic first weight 12 a. Likewise, the basic second shell 13 and thebasic second weight 13 a may be similarly constructed.

Likewise, still referring to FIG. 1, the basic first weight 12 a can beany suitable material such as anodized aluminum color coded to indicatea particular feature associated with the basic first weight 12 a. Forexample, the basic first weight 12 a can be anodized aluminum colorcoded green and visible through the basic first half shell 12 toindicate a lightly weighed rim on the order of approximately 59 gramssuitable for basic performance. Again, the basic second shell 13 and thebasic second weight 13 a may be similarly constructed.

Still referring to FIG. 1, the basic first pad 17 may be any suitablematerial such as silicone or other rubber. It will be understood thatthe basic first pad 17 hardness and texture is selected to provide avery responsive return feature associated with basic performance. Itwill also be appreciated that the basic first pad 17 may be color coded,for example, green, or otherwise marked, to correspond to basicperformance. The basic second pad 17 a is similarly constructed.

Still referring to FIG. 1, the basic first spacer 14 and the basicsecond spacer 16 may be any suitable material having a thickness ofapproximately 3.3 mm each. It will be appreciated that when the yo-yo isassembled the basic first spacer 14 and basic second spacer 16 helpdetermine the space between the basic first half shell 12 and the basicsecond half shell 13 when the yo-yo is assembled. It will be furtherappreciated that a narrower space between the basic first half shell 12and the basic second half shell 13 corresponds to a more responsiveyo-yo. Similar to the aforementioned yo-yo parts, the basic first spacer14 and the basic second spacer 16 may be color coded, for example,green, or otherwise marked, to correspond to basic performance.

Still referring to FIG. 1, the bearing 15 may be any suitable bearingsuch as a 6 mm bearing.

Referring also to FIG. 2 there is shown an exploded view of thecustomizable features of an intermediate yo-yo in accordance with thepresent invention. The intermediate yo-yo 20 includes intermediate axle21, an intermediate first half shell 22 enclosing a intermediate firstweight 22 a, an intermediate second half shell 23 enclosing aintermediate second weight 23 a, an intermediate first pad 27, anintermediate first spacer 24, a bearing 25, an intermediate secondspacer 26, an intermediate second pad 27 a, and an intermediate hexscrew 29. It will be appreciated that each of the parts shown in FIG. 2are color coded, or otherwise marked, to represent an intermediate skilllevel associated with each of the parts. For example, the intermediateaxle 21, the intermediate first half 22 enclosing the intermediate firstweight 22 a, the intermediate second half 23 enclosing the intermediatesecond weight 23 a, the intermediate first pad 27, the intermediatefirst spacer 24, the intermediate second spacer 26, the intermediatesecond pad 27 a, and the intermediate hex screw 29 may be color codedblue to represent a yo-yo suitable for intermediate tricks.

Still referring to FIG. 2, the intermediate axle 21 may be any suitableshaft with one end comprising or including a square or hex head 21 a forfitting in a recessed portion of either the intermediate first half 22or the intermediate second half 23. The other end of the intermediateaxle 21 includes a blind threaded hole for engaging the intermediate hexscrew 29 to threadably secure the yo-yo in its assembled condition. Itwill be appreciated that either hex head 21 a or hex screw 29 may beslotted to permit tightening with a screwdriver or coin.

Still referring to FIG. 2, the intermediate first half shell 22 and theintermediate second half shell 23 may be any suitable shell material forenclosing the intermediate first weight 22 a and the intermediate secondweight 23 a, respectively. Also, for example the intermediate first halfshell 22 and the intermediate second half shell 23 may be asubstantially transparent polycarbonate shell allowing the user to viewthe color coded intermediate first weight 22 a or the color codedintermediate second weight 23 a, respectively. It will be appreciatedthat the intermediate first half shell 22 and the intermediate secondhalf shell 23 may be any suitable material and likewise color coded toindicate the weight of the shell enclosing the intermediate first weight22 a or the intermediate second weight 23 a, respectively.

It will also be appreciated that the intermediate first shell 22 and theintermediate first weight 22 a can be an integrated or single pieceunit. For example the intermediate first shell 22 and the intermediatefirst weight 22 a can be any suitable material such as aluminum. It willalso be understood that intermediate first shell 22 and the intermediatefirst weight 22 a are substantially balanced around a center axis of theassembled intermediate first shell 22 and the intermediate first weight22 a. Likewise, the intermediate second shell 23 and the intermediatesecond weight 23 a may be similarly constructed.

Likewise, still referring to FIG. 2, the intermediate first weight 22 acan be any suitable material such as anodized aluminum color coded toindicate a particular feature associated with the intermediate firstweight 22 a. For example, the intermediate first weight 22 a can beanodized aluminum color coded blue and visible through the intermediatefirst half shell 22 to indicate a lightly weighed rim on the order ofapproximately 64 grams suitable for intermediate performance. Again, theintermediate second shell 23 and the intermediate second weight 23 a maybe similarly constructed.

Still referring to FIG. 2, the intermediate first pad 27 may be anysuitable material such as silicone or other rubber. It will beunderstood that the intermediate first pad 27 hardness and texture isselected to provide a very responsive return feature associated withintermediate performance. It will also be appreciated that theintermediate first pad 27 may be color coded, for example, blue, orotherwise marked, to correspond to intermediate performance. Theintermediate second pad 27 a is similarly constructed.

Still referring to FIG. 2, the intermediate first spacer 24 and theintermediate second spacer 26 may be any suitable material having athickness of approximately 3.76 mm each. It will be appreciated thatwhen the yo-yo is assembled the intermediate first spacer 24 andintermediate second spacer 26 help determine the space between theintermediate first half shell 22 and the intermediate second half shell23 when the yo-yo is assembled. It will be further appreciated that thespace between the intermediate first half shell 22 and the intermediatesecond half shell 23 defined by the intermediate first spacer 24 and theintermediate second spacer 26 corresponds to a less responsive orsensitive yo-yo than the basic yo-yo shown in FIG. 1 which allows forintermediate class yo-yo tricks. Similar to the aforementioned yo-yoparts, the intermediate first spacer 24 and the intermediate secondspacer 26 may be color coded, for example, blue, or otherwise marked, tocorrespond to intermediate performance.

Still referring to FIG. 2, the bearing 25 may be any suitable bearingsuch as a 6 mm bearing.

Referring also to FIG. 3 there is shown an exploded view of thecustomizable features of an advanced yo-yo in accordance with thepresent invention. The advanced yo-yo 30 includes advanced axle 31, anadvanced first half shell 32 enclosing a advanced first weight 32 a, anadvanced second half shell 33 enclosing a advanced second weight 33 a,an advanced first pad 37, an advanced first spacer 34, a bearing 35, anadvanced second spacer 36, an advanced second pad 37 a, and an advancedhex screw 39. It will be appreciated that each of the parts shown inFIG. 3 are color coded, or otherwise marked, to represent an advancedskill level associated with each of the parts. For example, the advancedaxle 31, the advanced first half 32 enclosing the advanced first weight32 a, the advanced second half 33 enclosing the advanced second weight33 a, the advanced first pad 37, the advanced first spacer 34, theadvanced second spacer 36, the advanced second pad 37 a, and theadvanced hex screw 39 may be color coded black to represent a yo-yosuitable for advanced tricks.

Still referring to FIG. 3, the advanced axle 31 may be any suitableshaft with one end comprising or including a square or hex head 31 a forfitting in a recessed portion of either the advanced first half 32 orthe advanced second half 33. The other end of the advanced axle 31includes a blind threaded hole for engaging the advanced hex screw 39 tothreadably secure the yo-yo in its assembled condition. It will beappreciated that either hex head 31 a or hex screw 39 may be slotted topermit tightening with a screwdriver or coin.

Still referring to FIG. 3, the advanced first half shell 32 and theadvanced second half shell 33 may be any suitable shell material forenclosing the advanced first weight 32 a and the advanced second weight33 a, respectively. Also, for example the advanced first half shell 32and the advanced second half shell 33 may be a substantially transparentpolycarbonate shell allowing the user to view the color coded advancedfirst weight 32 a or the color coded advanced second weight 33 a,respectively. It will be appreciated that the advanced first half shell32 and the advanced second half shell 33 may be any suitable materialand likewise color coded to indicate the weight of the shell enclosingthe advanced first weight 32 a or the advanced second weight 33 a,respectively.

It will also be appreciated that the advanced first shell 32 and theadvanced first weight 32 a can be an integrated or single piece unit.For example the advanced first shell 32 and the advanced first weight 32a can be any suitable material such as aluminum. It will also beunderstood that advanced first shell 32 and the advanced first weight 32a are substantially balanced around a center axis of the assembledadvanced first shell 32 and the advanced first weight 32 a. Likewise,the advanced second shell 33 and the advanced second weight 33 a may besimilarly constructed.

Likewise, still referring to FIG. 3, the advanced first weight 32 a canbe any suitable material such as anodized aluminum color coded toindicate a particular feature associated with the advanced first weight32 a. For example, the advanced first weight 32 a can be anodizedaluminum color coded black and visible through the advanced first halfshell 32 to indicate a lightly weighed rim on the order of approximately68 grams suitable for advanced performance. Again, the advanced secondshell 33 and the advanced second weight 33 a may be similarlyconstructed.

Still referring to FIG. 3, the advanced first pad 37 may be any suitablematerial such as silicone or other rubber. It will be understood thatthe advanced first pad 37 hardness and texture is selected to provide avery responsive return feature associated with advanced performance. Itwill also be appreciated that the advanced first pad 37 may be colorcoded, for example, black, or otherwise marked, to correspond toadvanced performance. The advanced second pad 37 a is similarlyconstructed.

Still referring to FIG. 3, the advanced first spacer 34 and the advancedsecond spacer 36 may be any suitable material having a thickness ofapproximately 3.96 mm each. It will be appreciated that when the yo-yois assembled the advanced first spacer 34 and advanced second spacer 36help determine the space between the advanced first half shell 32 andthe advanced second half shell 33 when the yo-yo is assembled. It willbe further appreciated that the space between the advanced first halfshell 32 and the advanced second half shell 33 defined by the advancedfirst spacer 34 and the advanced second spacer 36 corresponds to a lessresponsive or sensitive yo-yo than the intermediate yo-yo shown in FIG.2 which allows for advanced class yo-yo tricks. Similar to theaforementioned yo-yo parts, the advanced first spacer 34 and theadvanced second spacer 36 may be color coded, for example, black, orotherwise marked, to correspond to advanced performance.

Still referring to FIG. 3, the bearing 35 may be any suitable bearingsuch as a 6 mm bearing.

Still referring to FIG. 1, FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 it will be appreciated thatany of the yo-yo parts shown and discussed herein may be interchanged toassemble a yo-yo having specific desired performance features. Forexample, the lightly weighted basic first half shell 12 and the basicsecond half shell 13 may be interchanged with the more heavily weighedadvanced first half shell 32 and the advanced second half shell 33 toassemble yo-yos having mixed performance characteristics. It will alsobe appreciated that each of the yo-yo parts are color coded, orotherwise marked, to readily identify the yo-yo's performancecharacteristics.

For example, the play attributes of an interchangeable yo-yo system forma customizable mix of play experiences and performance attributesinclusive of, but not limited to the following:

1. Different weighted yo-yo halves—when combined with the many internalpart combinations (bearings and rubber return pads) different spincharacteristics will become possible—some mixed combinations capable oflonger spin times and/or greater RPMs. These weighted yo-yo halves areused to customize the play experience. Example: for many players,heavier yo-yos are more stable and allow for easier string trickscombinations. For others, a lighter yo-yo is easier to use and presentsbetter for other types of string trick play. With the use of thissystem, exact player preference becomes achievable.

2. Spacers—the yo-yo system contains numerous spacers each with the sameinternal diameter but with different overall widths. When combined withthe other interchangeable parts, the spacers will provide an array ofdifferent play experiences. Narrow spacers will provide for moreresponsive play, while wider spacers can provide for less responsiveplay and longer spin times. With the multiple spacer possibilities, aplayer's skill set can grow more easily and their exact play preferencescan be obtained.

3. Return Systems—the yo-yo system contains up to 3 or more sets ofrubber return pads each made out of a different material with differentshore hardness and textures. These return pads will allow a player tocustomize the behavior of the yo-yo so that its spin and responsivenessmeets their play needs. Since these pads can also be mixed and matched,the return settings with this customizable/interchangeable design canallow for a very diverse range of play.

4. Axle system—Three or more axle systems will be used to allow for theparts to be interchangeable with other yo-yo halves.

It should be understood that the foregoing description is onlyillustrative of the invention. Thus, various alternatives andmodifications can be devised by those skilled in the art withoutdeparting from the invention.

1. A customizable yo-yo system comprising a plurality of yo-yos wherethe plurality of yo-yos comprise: a first yo-yo, wherein the first yo-yocomprises: a first weighted shell comprising a first weighted rim; asecond weighted shell comprising a second weighted; a first pad; asecond pad; a first spacer; a second spacer; a bearing a first axle forassembling the first weighted shell, the first pad, the first spacer,the bearing the second spacer the second pad, and the second weightedshell; a first hex screw for threadably securing the first yo-yo in anassembled condition and wherein the first axle comprises a blindthreaded hole for engaging the first hex screw; a second yo-yo, whereinthe second yo-yo comprises: a third weighted shell comprising a thirdweighted rim; a fourth weighted shell comprising a fourth weighted rim;a third pad having less responsive characteristics than the first pad; afourth pad having less responsive characteristics than the second pad; athird spacer; a fourth spacer; a second bearing a second axle forassembling the third weighted shell, the third pad, the third spacer,the second bearing the fourth spacer the fourth pad, and the fourthweighted shell; a second hex screw for threadably securing the secondyo-yo in an assembled condition and wherein the second axle comprises asecond blind threaded hole for engaging the second hex screw; andwherein the first spacer and the second spacer are interchangeable withthe third spacer and the fourth spacer; wherein the first pad and thesecond pad are interchangeable with the, third pad and the fourth pad;and wherein the first weighted shell and the second weighted shell areinterchangeable with the third weighted shell and the fourth weightedshell.
 2. The customizable yo-yo system as in claim 1 wherein the firstweighted shell, the second Weighted shell, the first pad, the secondpad, the first spacer, the second spacer, and the first axle are codedto indicate a first skill level.
 3. The customizable yo-yo system as inclaim 1 wherein the third weighted shell, the fourth weighted shell, thethird pad, the fourth pad, the third spacer, the fourth spacer, and thesecond axle are coded to indicate a second skill level.
 4. Thecustomizable yo-yo system as in claim 1 wherein the first weighted rimand the second weighted rim comprise substantially 59 gram weights,each.
 5. The customizable yo-yo system as in claim 1 wherein the thirdweighted rim and the fourth weighted rim comprise substantially 64 gramweights, each.
 6. The customizable yo-yo system as in claim 1 whereinfirst spacer and the second spacer comprise substantially 3.3 mmthickness.
 7. The customizable yo-yo system as in claim 1 wherein thirdspacer and the fourth spacer comprise substantially 3.7 mm thickness. 8.The customizable yo-yo system as in claim 1 further comprising a thirdyo-yo, wherein the third yo-yo comprises: a fifth weighted shellcomprising a fifth weighted rim; a sixth weighted shell comprising asixth weighted; a fifth pad; a sixth pad; a fifth spacer; a sixthspacer; a third bearing a third axle for assembling the fifth weightedshell, the fifth pad, the fifth spacer, the third bearing the sixthspacer the sixth pad, and the sixth weighted shell; a third hex screwfor threadably securing the third yo-yo in an assembled condition andwherein the third axle comprises a third blind threaded hole forengaging the third hex screw; wherein the fifth spacer and the sixthspacer are interchangeable with the first or second yo-yo; wherein thefifth pad and the sixth pad are interchangeable with the first or secondyo-yo; and wherein the fifth weighted shell and the sixth weighted shellare interchangeable with the first or second yo-yo.
 9. The customizableyo-yo system as in claim 8 wherein the fifth weighted shell, the sixthweighted shell, the fifth pad, the sixth pad, the fifth spacer, thesixth spacer, and the sixth axle are coded to indicate a third skilllevel.
 10. The customizable yo-yo system as in claim 8 wherein the fifthweighted rim and the sixth weighted rim comprise substantially 68 gramweights, each.
 11. The customizable yo-yo system as in claim 8 whereinfifth spacer and the sixth spacer comprise substantially 3.9 mmthickness.
 12. A yo-yo system having interchangeable components whereineach of the interchangeable components is associated with a yo-yoperformance characteristic, wherein the yo-yo system comprises: a basicskill yo-yo having components comprising: a basic first weighted rim; abasic second weighted rim; a basic first pad; a basic second pad; abasic first spacer; a basic second spacer; a basic bearing; a basicaxle; a basic screw for threadably securing the basic skill yo-yo in anassembled condition and wherein the basic axle comprises a first blindthreaded hole for engaging the basic hex screw; an intermediate skillyo-yo having components comprising: an intermediate first weighted rim;an intermediate second weighted rim; an intermediate first pad; anintermediate second pad; an intermediate first spacer; an intermediatesecond spacer; an intermediate bearing; an intermediate axle; anintermediate screw for threadably securing the intermediate skill yo-yoin an assembled condition and wherein the intermediate axle comprises asecond blind threaded hole for engaging the intermediate hex screw; anadvanced skill yo-yo having components comprising: an advanced firstweighted rim; an advanced second weighted rim; an advanced first pad; anadvanced second pad; an advanced first spacer; an advanced secondspacer; an advanced bearing; an advanced axle; an advanced screw forthreadably securing the advanced skill yo-yo in an assembled conditionand wherein the advanced axle comprises a second blind threaded hole forengaging the advanced hex screw; and wherein each of the components arecoded to visually represent its associated skill level.
 13. The yo-yosystem as in claim 12 wherein the basic first weighted rim and the basicsecond weighted rim comprise substantially 59 gram weights, each. 14.The yo-yo system as in claim 12 wherein the intermediate first weightedrim and the intermediate second weighted rim comprise substantially 64gram weights, each.
 15. The yo-yo system as in claim 12 wherein theadvance first weighted rim and the advanced second weighted rim comprisesubstantially 68 gram weights, each.
 16. The customizable yo-yo systemas in claim 12 wherein basic first spacer and the basic second spacereach comprise substantially 3.3 mm thickness.
 17. The customizable yo-yosystem as in claim 12 wherein intermediate first spacer and theintermediate second spacer each comprise substantially 3.7 mm thickness.18. The customizable yo-yo system as in claim 12 wherein advanced firstspacer and the advanced second spacer each comprise substantially 3.9 mmthickness.
 19. A customizable yo-yo system comprising: a plurality ofinterchangeable weighted rims, wherein each of the weights of pluralityof weighted rims comprise substantially the range of 57 gram weights to69 gram weights; a plurality of interchangeable spacers, wherein each ofthe widths of the plurality of interchangeable spacers comprisesubstantially the range of 3 mm width to 4 mm widths; and a plurality ofpads, wherein each of the pads comprise a responsive characteristicranging from basic to very advanced.